Stephen Allen Backer

Stephen A. Backer 63, of Carmel, Indiana, passed away Sunday morning, March 15, 2009 at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana after a brief illness. Mr. Backer is the current president of the Carmel Clay School Board and served two terms as a member of the Indiana University Board of Trustees. Mr. Backer was born Feb. 28, 1946 in Indianapolis, Indiana to father Herbert J. Backer and mother Shirley Altfeld Backer, who survives. Mr. Backer is also survived by his wife, Susan Hedrick Backer, and his children, Jaime Miller (Brent), Ryan, Benjamin, Andrew and Elizabeth; brothers Dr. Howard Backer (Anita) and David Backer (Suzan); and grandchildren Samuel and Alexander Miller. Mr. Backer graduated from North Central High School in Indianapolis in 1964. He earned his undergraduate degree from Indiana University in 1968 and his law degree from Indiana University in 1971. While at IU, he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity and the Student Athletic Board. An avid outdoorsman, he helped work his way through IU as a travel and tour guide. Mr. Backer was a member of the Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation. He practiced law his entire professional career at Backer and Backer PC after working as deputy prosecutor in Marion County. He was appointed to the Indiana Lottery Commission by Gov. Evan Bayh and was a volunteer and board member of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana. Mr. Backer s community and civic involvement also included serving as a former member of the Hasten Hebrew Academy Board of Directors; Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation Board of Directors; Broadmoor Country Club Board of Directors; Indiana State Criminal Justice Institute, Juvenile Task Force; Carmel Clay Park and Recreation Board; Indiana Gambling Impact Commission; and the Central Indiana Community Foundation Legacy Fund. He was named a Sagamore of the Wabash by Gov. Evan Bayh and Gov. Frank O Bannon. He was a current member of the National Board of Visitors to the Indiana University School of Education; Corporate Board of Directors, Salin Bank and Trust Company; Indiana University Alumni Association; Indiana University Varsity Club; Indiana University Well House Society; and the Indianapolis, Indiana State and American bar associations. Steve was an accomplished, respected attorney who never missed an Indiana University home football or basketball game and was a frequent visitor to the press box during Carmel Greyhound football games. Despite his myriad community and civic accomplishments, his mission in life was his family and children. His sons will miss their dad and their annual "boys trips," with recent destinations that included the Canadian Rockies, Montana and Utah. The funeral will take place at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18, 2009 at Oak Hill Mansion, 5801 E. 116th St., Carmel, Indiana with Rabbi Jonathan Adland and the Rev. Dr. William M. Schwein officiating. Calling will take place two hours before the service. Burial will follow the service at Crown Hill Cemetery, 700 West 38th Street, Indianapolis. The family wishes to thank the staff of St. Vincent Hospital, especially Drs. Bihiray, Josephson, Ramsey and Ratzman, who provided exemplary care, compassion and concern. Memorial contributions may be made to The Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University, 1201 E. Third St., Merrill Hall 003, Bloomington, Indiana 47405 or the Carmel Clay Education Foundation, 5201 E. 131st St., Carmel, Indiana 46033. Mr. Backer s online guest book may be viewed and signed at: www.flannerbuchanan.com. Arrangements: Flanner & Buchanan Funeral Center Carmel.